GAIN In Uganda- Overview

 

 

GAIN Uganda, established in 2007, is part of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition’s global mission to end malnutrition by improving access to nutritious and safe food. Operating in alignment with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Uganda Nutrition Action Plan II, GAIN Uganda addresses the country’s triple burden of malnutrition—undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and diet-related non-communicable diseases.

Through multi-sectoral partnerships and a systems approach, GAIN Uganda focuses on industrial fortification, biofortification, food safety, consumer behavior change, and strengthening MSMEs. The program works closely with government, civil society, and the private sector to create sustainable food systems and ensure affordable, nutritious diets for all, particularly women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

 

GAIN's Contribution

 

Uganda has made progress in food production, but many people  especially women, children, and low-income communities  still face barriers to accessing safe, nutritious, and affordable diets. Malnutrition and diet-related diseases remain pressing concerns.

GAIN is working to close this gap by strengthening Uganda’s food system in partnership with local stakeholders. We support the production and consumption of fortified and biofortified foods, promote dietary diversity, and empower small and medium enterprises to deliver healthier options.

At the heart of our work is a simple but powerful goal: to ensure that all Ugandans, especially the most vulnerable, can enjoy healthier diets and live better lives.

 

  • Industrial Food Fortification & Biofortification by enhancing the fortification and biofortification of staple foods to improve nutritional outcomes.
  • Development of stronger resilient MSMEs by empowering local businesses to deliver affordable and healthy food options.  
  • Demand creation for healthier diets by promoting consumer awareness and behaviour change toward nutritious diets.
  • Enhancing food safety by improving food safety standards through collaboration and policy advocacy.
  • Policy Advocacy and Food System Transformation by driving evidence-based policies to create a sustainable and inclusive food system. Inclusive Gender Mainstreaming and Environmental Sustainability by embedding gender equity and environmental sustainability across programs .

  • Conducting research tailored to Uganda’s nutrition and Food transformation systems. This helps to generate evidence to guide nutrition policies, innovations, and promotes healthier diets. It strengthens national capacity and accountability towards nutrition goals.

     

 Impact

Since 2007, GAIN Uganda has led impactful interventions including the establishment of the SUN Business Network, supporting over 300 SMEs, and reaching over 3 million people through demand generation and food safety initiatives.

 

 

Advancing Nutrition By Motivating Ugandans To Consume Safer And Nutritious Foods

GAIN Uganda is committed to improving nutrition outcomes through a comprehensive approach that includes food fortification and biofortification, strengthening MSME supply chains, increasing consumer demand for healthier diets, enhancing food safety, and advocating for effective policy reforms. 

This work also focuses on addressing barriers that prevent people from accessing and choosing nutritious foods, including affordability, awareness, and availability. By working across the entire food system, GAIN supports both producers and consumers in making healthier choices. Collaboration with government, private sector actors, and local communities is central to driving sustainable change. The goal is to create lasting improvements in nutrition that are embedded in everyday food systems and practices.

GAIN Uganda Business Plan

GAIN Uganda Brochure 2026   

Uganda Faces the Triple Burden of Malnutrition

Undernutrition

 

Children are the most affected by malnutrition, which harms their future potential and productivity. When it occurs in early childhood, malnutrition causes lasting physical and mental damage.

Micronutrient Deficiencies 

 

Iron and Vitamin A deficiencies remain widespread, particularly among young children and pregnant women, where iron deficiency causes anemia.

 

Overnutrition 

 

Malnutrition affects Ugandan adults through both overnutrition and obesity.

26%

Stunting

Ugandan children aged 6–59 months are stunted (short for their age).

3%

Wasting

Dangerously thin for their height due to severe weight loss.

10%

Underweight

Low weight for their age due to acute or chronic malnutrition.

 

 

Source: 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS)

53%

Children anemia icon

53% of children aged 6–59 months are anemic.

32%

Women anemia icon

32% of women of reproductive age in Uganda, aged 15 to 49 years have anaemia.

Source: 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS).

Weight gain icon

Overweight and obesity prevalence is higher among women with higher education (46%) and in urban areas (14%) compared to rural areas (6%).

Obesity profile icon

9% of men and 18% of women are overweight, while 8% of women and 2% of men are obese.

Fruit and vegetables icon

Only 5.2% of Ugandan adults consume the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables per day.

 

Source: 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) for overweight and Obese.

Programmes and Partnerships

CASCADE

Supporting mothers and children under five through private-sector engagement and policy advocacy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vegetables for All 

Promoting vegetable consumption among 118,000+ urban and peri-urban consumers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUN Business Network: 

Training 427 private players and supporting 300 SMEs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reducing malnutrition and improving diets requires engaging with and building alliances between governments, donors, including philanthropists, civil society and youth, producers, academia, UN and development partners, and the private sector to develop and implement new approaches to drive improved action.

 

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Additional Resources

 

 

Bite the Talk EP 28 : Uganda at the Table: Accelerating Food Systems Transformation

 

 

In this episode of Bite the Talk, host Mark Gachagua and GAIN Uganda Country Director Damali Sali explore the "Ugandan Paradox"—why an agricultural powerhouse known as the "Pearl of Africa" still struggles with high malnutrition rates. Damali argues that the root cause is not food scarcity, but "information scarcity" and deep-seated cultural habits, such as the overwhelming dominance of the staple food Matoke, which often crowds out more nutritious options.

Learn More

 

Upcoming Event Ebyendiisa Expo 2026

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Message from Country Director, GAIN Uganda

Welcome to GAIN Uganda

At GAIN, we believe that everyone deserves access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food — especially the most vulnerable among us. In Uganda, our work is deeply rooted in collaboration with communities, government, and the private sector to transform food systems and improve nutrition outcomes.

As we continue to expand our reach and deepen our impact, we remain committed to scaling proven solutions like food fortification, supporting SMEs, and driving demand for healthier diets.

Our goal is simple but urgent: healthier diets for all, and a food system that works for everyone. Thank you for visiting our page and for being part of this journey toward a nourished and thriving Uganda.

Damali Ssali 

Country Director, GAIN Uganda

Contact Us

Kampala, Uganda
Plot 9, Kyambogo View Road, Minister’s Village, Ntinda
P.O.Box 800896
Kampala, Uganda
Tel :+256 200 922 02
Email: [email protected]